Honda fans in India, get ready! While Honda’s current lineup consists of trusted models like the Amaze, Elevate and City (including hybrid and non-hybrid), the Japanese carmaker has exciting plans for the coming years. Buckle up, as Honda is preparing to launch not one, not two, but three all-new SUVs in the Indian market! Here’s a glimpse of what we can expect:
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1. Honda Elevate Hybrid: The Eco-Friendly Compact SUV
The Honda Elevate, known as the ‘WR-V’ in some international markets, has already made its mark in India with its 1.5L petrol engine. But Honda is now going to make it even better with a hybrid version! Spotted testing in Brazil, the Elevate Hybrid is expected to borrow its efficient powertrain directly from the popular City Hybrid.
This means we can expect a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid system under the hood. The petrol engine alone produces 98 bhp of power, while the combined output with the two electric motors reaches 108 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. This setup allows for short bursts of pure EV driving and uses regenerative braking to charge the battery, ultimately leading to better fuel efficiency and a greener footprint.
In terms of design, the Elevate Hybrid is expected to largely mirror its petrol counterpart, with perhaps a new set of alloy wheels to differentiate it. The familiar boxy grille, sleek LED headlights and flat rear with stubby taillights are likely to remain. Inside, the 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging and automatic climate control from the current model are expected to be carried forward.
After the initial success of the petrol version of the Elevate Hybrid, its facelift is likely to arrive around 2025-2026. Being locally manufactured, it will compete directly with the hybrid variants of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyrider.
2. Power and Size: Exploring the Honda ZR-V Hybrid for India
Honda has been hinting at the arrival of the ZR-V hybrid SUV in India for quite some time now, even showcasing it at its 2025 Annual Dealer Conference. This contender is set to enter the popular mid-size SUV segment and take on stalwarts like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara.
The ZR-V boasts larger dimensions than the Creta, measuring 4,568 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width and 1,611 mm in height, with a generous wheelbase of 2,655 mm. While the global version offers a ground clearance of 126 mm, it can be adjusted for Indian road conditions.
Under the hood, the Indian-spec ZR-V is expected to feature Honda’s renowned e:HEV hybrid technology along with the 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the international markets. This powerful combination is expected to deliver a combined output of 180 hp and a significant 315 Nm of torque, which will be channelled through an e-CVT automatic gearbox. The higher trims might also get all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities. Interestingly, some global markets also get a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which could be a more cost-effective option for India.
There is a catch, though. Honda is planning to bring the ZR-V to India initially as a completely built unit (CBU). This means they will be imported fully assembled, attracting hefty import duties ranging from 70% to 100%. This could significantly impact its pricing. The ZR-V Hybrid is expected to make its debut in late 2025 or 2026.
Check fast for the first news of car launch on this WhatsApp channel
3. The Future is Electric: Honda Elevate EV and its India Launch
The third exciting product in Honda’s pipeline is an all-electric vehicle (EV) based on the popular Elevate. Internally codenamed DG9D, this EV is set to hit Indian roads in 2026. It will use an electrified version of the existing Elevate platform under Honda’s ACE (Asian Compact Electric) project.
The Elevate EV is expected to feature a 40 to 50 kWh battery pack, with Honda aiming for an impressive range of over 400 kilometres on a single charge. Some reports also suggest a possible battery capacity of 50-60 kWh and a range of around 500 km. This will put it at par with or ahead of several upcoming rivals in the fast-growing electric SUV segment.
Importantly, the Elevate EV will be manufactured locally at Honda’s Tapukara plant in India. The facility will undergo significant upgrades to support EV production. By opting for local manufacturing, Honda aims to keep costs competitive and make the Elevate EV an attractive offering in India’s price-sensitive market. Interestingly, there are rumours that the Elevate EV could also be sold under a different brand name in India, with a large portion of its production potentially being reserved for exports.
The road ahead for Honda in India
With these three new SUVs, Honda is clearly serious about strengthening its presence in the competitive Indian automotive market. The Elevate hybrid is expected to be a premium SUV in the popular compact SUV segment.
Frequently Ask Question (FAQs)
- How many new SUVs is Honda planning to launch in India?
- Honda is planning to launch three new SUVs in India.
- What type of powertrain will the Honda ZR-V Hybrid feature?
- The Honda ZR-V Hybrid is expected to feature a 2.0-litre petrol engine with Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology.
- When is the all-electric Honda Elevate EV expected to be launched in India?
- The Honda Elevate EV is set to hit Indian roads in 2026.
- Where will the Honda Elevate EV be manufactured for the Indian market?
- The Honda Elevate EV will be manufactured locally at Honda’s Tapukara plant in India.
- Which hybrid SUV from Honda is expected to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder?
- The Honda Elevate Hybrid is expected to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.
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